Panathinaikos legend Tsartsaris retires

A signature Euroleague player has decided to finish his career right after adding another title to an impressive roll of honors. Kostas Tsartsaris has decided to hang up his boots at age 33. Since the Euroleague started in 2000, Tsartsaris was the only player to step on court in each and every edition of the competition, first with Peristeri and then for Panathinaikos, for whom he proudly wore the Green jersey for 11 successful years. Not only did Tsartsaris play the Euroleague for many years, but he helped Panathinaikos rise to another level as a signature player for the Greens. He was a key piece as the club claimed three continental crowns in 2007, 2009 and 2011.
Since his arrival in summer 2002, Tsartsaris has helped Panathinaikos to 10 Greek League and eight Greek Cup trophies – 18 domestic titles out of a maximum 22. Tsartaris also found success with the Greek national team, winning EuroBasket 2005, reaching the 2006 FIBA World Championships title game and taking part in two Olympic Games - Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Tsartsaris started his career with BC Beroia, played one year in Iceland - for Grindavik - and also played for Near East before joining Peristeri. He played a total of 239 Euroleague games, which is second-most in competition history behind only Theo Papaloukas (252). Tsartsaris ranks ninth in total rebounds (905) and scored 1,502 career points.

"After 16 consecutive seasons and after experiencing the glory of sports and countless moments of joy, emotions and pride, it is time to say goodbye to basketball, my big passion," Tsartsaris said in an official statement. "I sincerely thank those who believed in me and gave me their trust and support. I owe a lot to the world of basketball, it was my soul and strength. Thank you," he added.

After 16 consecutive seasons and after experience the glory of sports and countless moments of joy, emotions and pride, it is time to say goodbye to basketball, my big passion," Tsartsaris said in an official statesment. "I sincerely thank those who believed in me and gave me their trust and support. I owe a lot to the world of basketball, it was my soul and strength. Thank you," he added.